Definition of Potential

The determination of what is tourism potential is a central question that must be answered
before model development can occur. It is not an easy concept to define because tourism potential,
like the industry itself, is quite subjective and open to personal preferences. Site-based potential was
derived from the digital data itself, the Integrated Resource Management data in particular; the
potential to draw tourists can be directly linked to natural resources such as scenic beauty that an area
offers. The potential model was meant to integrate or mesh with the existing Integrate Resource
Management land classification system of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. The
“Integrated resource management (IRM) is a planning and decision making process that coordinates
resource use so that the long term sustainable benefits are optimized and conflicts among users are
minimized. IRM brings together all resource groups rather than each working in isolation to balance
the economic, environmental, and social requirements of society. IRM includes planning for minerals,
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forests, recreation, wilderness, energy, wildlife, and parks.” The important question to consider in
defining tourism potential is : “do the natural resources of the study area provide the necessary
elements required for the preferred tourist activity?”.